Asylum applications in September almost halved compared to Vivaldi government levels

The number of asylum applications in Belgium continues to fall sharply. In September 2026, 2,071 people applied for asylum, a 44% drop compared with September 2024, the final year of the Vivaldi government. Applications were also down 29% compared with September last year. Minister for Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt sees the figures as further evidence that a tougher approach is working: “Those who claimed two years ago that nothing could be done about the high number of asylum applications are now being proved wrong.”

More than seven in ten decisions are negative

More than 70% of asylum applications decided in September were rejected. “These applicants have therefore not been granted asylum in Belgium and, as a rule, must leave the country,” the minister explains.

The number of unaccompanied foreign minors is also falling sharply. Between January and September 2026, 684 asylum seekers declared themselves to be minors, compared with 1,334 over the same period last year. That represents a drop of almost 49%.

The decline in asylum applications is easing the pressure on Belgium’s asylum and migration services.

Measures at federal and European level

Since taking office, the government has introduced a series of measures to tackle abuse and reduce asylum applications. At the same time, Van Bossuyt has been pushing at European level for stronger external border controls, faster asylum procedures and tougher action against secondary migration.

“The figures speak for themselves: compared with the Vivaldi government’s lax approach, asylum applications this month have almost halved compared with September in its final year in office. Our policies, combined with international trends, are delivering results. But there is still a great deal of work to be done,” says Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

Fewer arrivals, but more returns too

Reducing asylum applications is only one part of the government’s approach. Those who have no legal right to remain in Belgium must also return to their country of origin. That is why the government is investing in additional staff and capacity to facilitate the return of people without legal residence status.

Particular attention is being paid to returning foreign criminals directly from prison to their countries of origin. This approach has already delivered record results this year as well.